Westminster College to Present Alumni Choir Concert in Memory of Professor

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - More than 100 alumni from 16 states will return to Westminster College to perform with the Alumni Choir at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, in Orr Auditorium. The performance is in memory of Dr. Clarence "Clancy" Martin, professor of music emeritus who taught at the College for more than 40 years starting in the 1950s. The event is free and open to the public. A reception will follow.

Martin spent his entire professional career at Westminster, serving as the choral director and 25 years as the chair of the music department. He passed away in April at his home in Florida.  The Alumni Choir, plus the current Westminster Concert Choir, will perform in celebration of his life as part of homecoming festivities.

The concert is under the direction of Dr. Robin Lind, associate professor and current director of choral activities. Ray Ocock `50, organist emeritus, will accompany the choir. Susan Toth Shaffer `74 will sing a solo titled "Ride on King Jesus." Alexandra Patterson `13 and current student Gregory McClelland will sing solos within the choral piece "Greater Love Hath No Man," by John Ireland. 

The student Brass and Percussion Ensemble will accompany the choir during "O How Amiable," by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The students include Joey Bandi on horn, Brittanie Bell on trombone, Kyle Grabigel on tuba, Devin Greig on percussion, Zachary Harper and Cody Ortz on trumpet.

Additional selections on the program include "Ain'-a That Good News," arranged by William Dawson; "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," arranged by Mack Wilberg; "Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal," arranged by Alice Parker; and "I Have Had Singing," by Ron Jeffers.

The Rev. James R. Mohr II, College chaplain, will give the opening prayer and closing benediction.

Contact Lind at 724-946-7278 or email for additional information. 

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